Kariba to Victoria Falls Ferry

By Ilala Lodge on March 25, 2015

Save yourself time, fuel, money and stress by covering the 1250km-journey between Kariba and Victoria Falls in an effortless overnight ferry trip.

The Kariba Car Ferry Service travels from Andorra Harbour in Kariba to Milibizi, and vice versa, once a week, allowing you to transport yourself and your car from one end of Lake Kariba to the other. The overnight journey takes just 22 hours in each direction, and during this time, guests are encouraged to sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular scenery of Lake Kariba, including the spectacular wildlife that skirt the Lake’s edges.

Three meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, are provided throughout the journey, as well as morning and afternoon tea to keep the hunger pangs at bay. What’s more, a cash bar is available to compliment an unforgettable Lake Kariba sunset. Come night-time, guests can curl up on cosy chair-beds in the central lounge area. All mattresses and bedding is provided, so you can travel light, and there are also toilets and hot showers available for use.

While 22 hours might sound lengthy, an overnight stay on the Kariba Ferry Service, is preferable to the arduous drive from Kariba to Victoria Falls. On the Zimbabwean side of the great lake, the Karoi and Binga route is only accessible with a 4×4-enabled vehicle, and the going is still long and tough. The route via Zambia, while along a tarred road, will take you around 7 hours via Siavonga and Livingstone, and cost you a fair amount of money in fuel, and border entry costs.

The ferry, fondly known as the “Sea Lion” departs from Andora Harbour at 09:00 sharp, and slowly makes it way past a number of natural attractions, such as Rhino Island, where the Lake is at it’s widest – 32 km. The Sibilobilo Lagoon is next up, followed by the Kota Kota Narrows, which are named after the mountain on the northern shore, and the awe-inspiring Chete Gorge, which narrows to as little as 400m in width. Keep your eyes peeled, because a vast amount of game is often seen along the journey, including elephant, waterbuck, hippo, crocodile and zebra.

Upon arrival in Milibizi (at the western end of Lake Kariba) at approximately 07:00, the rest of the journey onto Victoria Falls is an easy four-hour drive along the A8 highway, which meanders along the edge of Hwange National Park. Not only a functional way to get from A to B, the Sea Lion ferry is a remarkable experience in and of itself, and a memorable journey to be had.